adminCommission, Ms Tendai Bare has said.
Ms Bare was speaking recently at the second edition of the Africa Prisons Day organised by the Zimbabwe Prison Services at Gwanzura Stadium.
“Despite the prevailing economic conditions, Government has been committed to improving the conditions of service for the prison officers, as was the case late last year when senior officers were issued with vehicles,” she said.
“Government has also firmly supported the focus on food production in prisons as it ties in with Zimbabwe’s greater theme of land reform.
“The drive is towards ensuring the ZPS is a self-sustaining body.”
Commissioner Bare said Government supported the new methods of rehabilitation in prisons as they were more successful.
“Experience has shown that rehabilitation, as opposed to punishment, is the key to preparing the successful integration of offenders into society,” she said.
“In the past, prisons were synonymous with hard labour, ill-treatment, incarceration, high walls and doors, but government has realised that such treatment will only harden ex-convicts, creating a menace for the country.”
Commissioner Bare praised the education system in prisons, saying that it was a major boost for the country.
“Inmates are encouraged to undertake formal and tertiary education at 23 registered educational centres within prison institutions and this is highly consistent with government’s thrust on education,” she said.
“Inmates have been exposed to technical and agricultural rehabilitation programmes which equip them with new income generating skills in their areas of interest, guaranteeing them self-sustenance after release from
prison.”
Prisoners and prison officers received prizes.
There were prizes for quality performance in contemporary and traditional dance, poetry, choral and gospel music, netball and soccer among many other disciplines.
The most comprehensive prize was given to Chikurubi Prison for the Best Prison Farm and Best Prison Officer Farmer.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter